Finally got the go-ahead from the wife...

mwood · Aug 18, 2004

Finally got the go-ahead from the wife to start looking at tractors. So... now for the questions!

I have 13 acres and want something I can use to clear the very overgrown pasture of brush, keep the newly created pasture mowed, move some heavy stuff (FEL) and clear snow.

Now... Since I promised the wife a new kitchen too, I really have to keep this whole thing really cheap!

There are dealers for Kubota, NH, Deere and Kioti all within 50 miles. KC Canary is also 105 miles away but I've heard some good things about them so I'll probably drive up there if I find Green is right for me. I really have no color bias, but I do want a dealer who can get parts for me if the need arises.

Since i'll mainly be using this for brush hogging and and possibly some future plowing for food plots, I really want to stick to gears. Also, the price range dictates this. If possible, i'd like to keep this whole thing under $13,000 for the tractor, loader and brush hog if possible, but it looks like I may well have to adjust that figure.

Here are my thoughts thus far:
I have a lot of muddy pasture when the rains come like this year. The pastures are also quite bumpy right now. While i'd like to fix the bumpy part, there isn't much I can do about the water and therefore, I think the sub-compacts are out. I also have a neighbor with a cut, so I want to be able to do a little trading back and forth of implements.

I really want some sort of dual stage clutch or independant PTO. Mowing is a real pain when the mower stops every time you change direction.

The JD 790 looks to be ideal for me. High HP for future ground engaging tasks, but still a bargain. However, looks to be a bit out of my price range.

The Kubota 2800DT looks nice, but the overrunning transmission driven clutch is a bit minus for this tractor. (Dual stage would be much perferred I would think).

Also, there are the Kioti. I know little about them pricewise, but they seem to packed with features.

After all of this, what tractors should I be looking at? Am I even looking in the right places?

Thanks in advance for any help!!

goatman · Aug 18, 2004

I have a NH TC30 with loader by great bend. I also looked at the JD 790 and loader but was about 1k more the the NH.. I Found mine at Tarheel Tractors in NC. for Mid 13's.. I have since decided I would like to llook at a Power trc as I am on a lot of hills and might try to sell mine.. And would throw in the bush hog.. I have 12 hours on it and the rear tires loaded.. if you might be interested send me a PM and or phone number and we can talk.. either way good kuck on your search.. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

jd2210 · Aug 18, 2004

The good news for you my friend is the amount of dealers you have close to you. In this situation you want to poll locals to see who gives the best after sales service. Not that it is the only factor, but certainly needs to be considered.
I agree with your assessment on the SubCUT. My 2210 works great for me, but for some of the tasks you are suggesting, especially if you plan on running a fair sized brusher, you will want to stick to full frame.
The only unit you mentioned that I have had seat time with is the 790. The one I used was a capable tractor that seemed to perform well.Keep in mind it is Deere's "advantage" tractor and doesn't have all the features of a 4000series. I even raked hay with the one I used and was impressed with it's hydraulic capacity. I don't know what the new loaders are like, but the 79 loader was a weaker unit than the 410's and a bit clumsier.
No matter what tractor you end up with your biggest hurdle is over.... convincing the MRS. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

JayC · Aug 18, 2004

So far, I think your best bet would probably be the Kioti LK3054XS. It should be the msot cost-saving of the four. It also has a mechanical shittle-shift. Other value-tractors like the JD 790 and NH TC30, I believe are straight gear. The Kioti is 30 HP with 24.5 PTO hp. An LK3054XS with FEL and rotary cutter will likely be over your $13k budget, but so would the JD, NH, & Kubota. I'll post a link to the Kioti LK3054XS.

Kioti LK3054XS

frank_f15 · Aug 18, 2004

( Now... Since I promised the wife a new kitchen too, I really have to keep this whole thing really cheap!
)
Afraid thats not possible. don''t think u are going to get a tractor in the size you will need with fel and Brsh hog for $13,000 . where abouts are you? i do a lot of hunting around NORWICH

KiotiJohn · Aug 18, 2004

As far as the Kioti goes, you will probably need at least 30 HP as the smaller tractors will not do for your "future ground engaging tasks," and you can pull a larger brush cutter.
Now if you don't really need to do ploughing per say, but rather tilling, you could use a CK20 or even an LB1914 and be pretty much within your budget. In many locales, a CK20 with loader and brush hog can come in around $13K. An LB1914 even less. The won't pull a plough well, but they can both run a tiller and boxblade and other like tools.
I've found I can do a great deal more with the CK20HST than I ever imagined I could. The LB1914 has a mechanical shuttle shift (stop before shifting a F/R lever) on it's gear drive. The CK20 gear does not. John

mwood · Aug 18, 2004

Thank you for all the replies! All suggestions are welcome and very helpful!

Frank_f15 -- I am about 20 miles south west of Norwich. There is great hunting in this area!

I stopped and looked at a 790 today on a lot I pass on the way home. I couldn't test drive it, but I did get to sit on it and get a little feel for it. Nice unit, I just think my legs are a little long for it or something. It just didn't "sit" right. Maybe I can test drive one at another dealer and get a feel for it when it's moving.

In doing a little more research, I would really like to look more at the Kioti. The LK3054XS has all the features I really like and from what I have heard, even though it has a shuttle it prices compatively with the other tractors I mentioned. Anyone have any idea of what one might run with just a loader (i figure I can always pick up a used brush hog)? The JD dealer I briefly talked to had absolutely no interest in even trying to work with me on the price. He quoted me about $50 off list. I asked point blank "So there is really no room to deal here from the list price" and he looked really confused. He said "I'm giving you a great price here! You try to beat it". Don't worry. I will.

With regards to the LB1914 and I guess the LK4054. How do the mechanical shuttles work? Are these like the power reverser trannys on larger ag tractors? Also, what exactly will the price difference be between these two. It seems that for a little more money, I could be sitting on 30 ponies...

Thanks again for all the help!

KiotiJohn · Aug 19, 2004

( In doing a little more research, I would really like to look more at the Kioti. The LK3054XS has all the features I really like and from what I have heard, even though it has a shuttle it prices compatively with the other tractors I mentioned. Anyone have any idea of what one might run with just a loader )
I got a quote for a friend on the 3054XS:
List: $14,235.00 Sell: $12,099.00
KL 1230 loader with 60" bucket
List: $3245.00 Sell: $2758.00
This is a Florida price, regional differences may cause your price to vary. John

Dave___in___CT · Aug 19, 2004

Hi...

mwood says re. Deere 790...
"...I just think my legs are a little long for it or something. It just didn't "sit" right. "...

The seat is likely adjustable... some require bolts to be loosened to adjust...

Dave...

mwood · Aug 19, 2004

I actually asked the dealer about the adjustable seat. He fiddled with something (I was standing on the platform at the time) and he said something along the lines of that should fix it. Mind you, this dealer is not the brightest crayon in the box. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif I've heard several people have had bad experiences with him and I wouldn't buy from him. But he did have a 790 sitting on the lot and it was on my way home from work so I figured I could at least see it in person.